Stress can be caused by financial pressures, deadlines, expectations, noise, pollution, traffic and loneliness (where there is no family or community around a person). We are encouraged to want more, bigger, better; we strive for happiness and at times that yearning for something more, outside ourselves, creates more stress and unhappiness.

The first physical symptoms of chronic stress may be headaches or increased susceptibility to colds; it can lead to depression, diabetes, hair loss, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, obesity, sexual dysfunction, tooth and gum disease, and ulcers.

However, it doesn’t need to get to that stage:

The best way to deal with stress is to download it frequently, not allowing for a build up.. The first way to calm yourself when you are aware that you are stressed is by consciously controlling your breath. This relaxes your body and calms your mind (see my breathing exercise)

Consciously relaxing your muscles sends calming messages to your brain and even pretending to smile or laugh will send relaxation to your brain.
You also need to avoid stress, eliminating or minimizing stressful situations in your day to day life. Each individual is unique and has their own reaction to situations — what one person finds a challenge, another person will find exhilarating – like speaking or performing in front of an audience.

This is where coaching helps — allowing you to become aware of what you can do to minimize anxiety in your day to day activities and to make clear decisions about how to achieve a happier, healthier life.